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Christmas Refunds The Consumer Affairs and Trade Practices Division of the Department of Government Services and Lands, is advising consumers to ask about store refund policies when purchasing Christmas gifts, in order to avoid disappointment this holiday season. Consumer affairs officials receive more inquiries about refunds during the Christmas season than at any other time of the year. Carol Furlong, Supervisor of Trade Practices, says many consumers believe they are entitled to an automatic refund if they wish to return an item. However, stores are not required by law to give a refund. Refund policies vary from store to store. Although many stores provide a money back guarantee if consumers are not satisfied with a particular product, some stores, especially boutiques and specialty shops have a "No Refund" policy. This means that once a sale is made, consumers will not be entitled to return the merchandise. In some cases, stores will provide an exchange or credit note. Stores which offer money back guarantees usually apply certain restrictions such as proof of purchase, time limits and returning the item in the original packaging. In order to avoid confusion in the event that gifts purchased need to be returned or exchanged, consumers should save all sales receipts. Without a bill of sale, an item may be taken back but the consumer might not be issued a refund for the amount paid for it. If the item was on special sometime during the season the store would have no way of knowing whether the consumer bought it at the reduced or regular price. Even though consumers may have paid full price for the gift, without a receipt, they might only be entitled to the discount price. Consumers are advised to get all of the details and to ensure that goods are in good condition and in working order before finalizing the sale. Media contact: Carol A. Furlong Rick Callahan 1998 12 11 10:15 a.m
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